PRINCETON, NJ – NAFA Fleet Management Association members will be assisting Habitat for Humanity in a project to help rebuild New Orleans this April.  NAFA Members will gather on April 24 — the day before NAFA's 2009 Institute & Expo opens in New Orleans — to give something back to the city. Fleet managers from all across the United States and Canada are expected to take part in the project.

Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people from all faiths and walks of life to work together in partnership, building houses with families in need.

The New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1983. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina's destruction, their work takes on an even greater meaning. Since Katrina, nearly a hundred homes have been completed by Habitat for Humanity and 140 more are currently under construction in different areas of New Orleans. 

"NAFA has a long history of supporting charities and providing volunteer service," said NAFA President Gayle Pratt, who will be among the members lending a hand on April 24. "We are fortunate to have the opportunity to assist Habitat for Humanity during our annual Institute & Expo. The experience of helping residents rebuild New Orleans will be one NAFA Members will always remember."

This will be the first time in a decade that NAFA has held its annual Institute & Expo in New Orleans.  This year's I&E will take place April 25-28, 2009 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La. Global automotive industry expert, Graeme Maxton, will provide the keynote address. 

The I&E also features more than 60 hours of fleet training, education, and workshops; the Public Safety Roadeo and a large collection of emergency vehicles, Green Fleet Ride-and-Drives to test-drive various alternative fuel vehicles; the Green Zone, which contains the latest in "green" products, information, and services; and an Expo Floor with more than 150 companies showing their latest products and services. Future I&E locations include Detroit (2010), Charlotte (2011), St. Louis (2012), and Atlantic City (2013).